How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
The amount of time required to settle a trucking crash case can vary from case to case. There are a number of variables that can affect the length of time to settle.
18 wheeler accident law firm lewisville can take several months to determine who is accountable for an accident. An attorney can help determine the responsible parties and maximize the amount you receive.
What to Expect
The time frame for settlement of a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler depends on a myriad of factors, including liability and damages. If the parties involved in the collision are not able to reach an agreement on the responsibility, this could greatly delay the process. If there are disputes over the evidence or testimony of witnesses, it could delay the proceedings.
Based on the severity of the injuries, the amount of the insurance policy of the trucking company and existing state or federal regulations governing commercial vehicles, settlement amounts can be wildly different. It's important to remember that plaintiff lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don't get paid unless they win or reach a settlement in the case.
It's no surprise that semi-truck accident cases are a lucrative business for attorneys. Therefore, it's not common to see settlements in these cases to amount to millions of dollars or more. This is particularly true when the trucking company has been considered to be negligent.
Liability
In the United States, there are more than 100,000 accidents each year involving 18-wheelers. A lot of these truck accidents result in serious injuries and even death. In many cases, insurance companies reduce the victims of these accidents with settlement offers that do not reflect the full extent of their injuries and damages. However, an experienced attorney for 18 wheeler accidents can level the playing field and negotiate with these big insurance companies to secure their clients maximum settlements.
In a case involving an 18-wheeler, the defendants may be held responsible for non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages and future earnings. Other damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement or reduced quality of life.
Plaintiff attorneys who litigate in 18 wheeler cases are compensated on a contingent basis. This means that they won't get paid until their case is won and they negotiate a settlement with their client. In the meantime, they need to pay for court costs, conduct depositions, employ experts and other specialists, travel, and pay for other expenses required to win the case.
Damages
18-wheeler accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if they occur at high speed. Due to the size and weight of these trucks, the impact could be even more severe than a normal motor vehicle accident. This means that the damage could be higher as well.
In addition to the medical and property damages that can result from a 18-wheeler crash victims could also be entitled to compensation for lost wages and grief due to the loss of a loved. A personal injury lawyer can help determine the full compensation you can receive if you have suffered losses due to an accident involving a semi-truck.
It's no secret that litigation is expensive. Attorneys representing plaintiffs must pay for things like travel, take depositions, hire expert witnesses, and cover court costs, which is why they require their clients' money as fast as possible. There are many ways that plaintiffs can get their money faster after the settlement. These are referred to as post settlement advances or lawsuit loans. They are a great method for injured parties to cover expenses while waiting on their settlement.
Timeline
There are a myriad of factors that influence the time it takes to settle a truck crash case. The severity of your injuries is an important factor. It is crucial to wait until you have reached your maximum level of medical improvement before settling. This is due to the fact that you may be able to claim future losses such as lost wages and a decreased quality of life. Additionally, your attorney will need evidence to prove these claims.
A dispute between the parties regarding damages or liability can also prolong the settlement process. This can often happen when there multiple insurance companies involved or when the parties are arguing about who was at fault for the accident.
A skilled truck accident lawyer will help you determine if the insurance company is offering you an appropriate amount for your case, and whether or it will be able to cover all of your current and future losses. If the insurance company isn't willing to negotiate, you may require a lawsuit and this can extend the time frame of the case. In some instances the case may take longer than a year for the resolution.
Settlement
There are a few things that could cause some time to settle a 18-wheeler lawsuit. This is due to the severity of the injuries and the insurance considerations involved. It could take some time for the documentation from your doctor to demonstrate permanent impairments, which could impact your future losses. It is important that you never settle your accident claim too early because it could leave you without the money you'll need to recuperate your full range of losses.
Attorneys representing plaintiffs in cases involving 18 wheeler-related accidents work on contingency fee and don't get paid until they are successful or reach a settlement. This means that they've had to put aside their own money to pay for expenses for travel, court costs and expert witness expenses all during the the case.
As you can imagine this can add up to a large amount. Many 18-wheeler plaintiff lawyers make use of settlement cash advances or lawsuit loans to offset their legal costs out of pocket. This allows them to get their money earlier.